Race for the captaincy

Tuesday 13 January 2004 00:00 BST

Lawrence Dallaglio

Age/Caps: 31/ 65 (14 as captain) Security: Not at his best this season but still a worldclass back-row and figurehead. Experience: Has led England more times than any other candidate and has steered Wasps to cup and league triumphs. Woodward: They used to be very close - particularly during Dallaglio's problems in 1999 - but this changed during strike threat in 2000. Charisma: Highly polished operator with vast experience, at home and abroad, of the media and what can be thrown at the captain. Tactics: Key man in England's game plan and now has the years and rugby miles on the clock to recognise most tactical problems. Odds: 1-2

Matt Dawson

Age/Caps: 31/57 (nine as captain) Security: Still battling with Kyran Bracken for the lead scrum-half role. And don't forget Andy Gomarsall. Experience: Led England in the Six Nations championship and has also taken the role with the majority of teams he has appeared in. Woodward: Was one of the strike leaders in 2000 and the relationship has suffered as a result. Charisma: His BBC work has given Dawson confidence in front of the cameras and the rest of the media and he is rarely caught off guard. Tactics: Has taken flak for overdoing the tap-and-go from penalties and free-kicks when a heads-up approach was called for. Odds: 12-1

Richard Hill

Age/Caps: 30/63 (one match as captain v NZ BaaBaas 2003) Security: Assured because he is a world-class back-row and, stitches or not, is almost always fit for selection. Experience: Did the job at mini-rugby level and has led Saracens on a number of occasions. Was captain against NZ BaaBaas in December. Woodward: Everyone likes Hilly and, despite a tendency to moan, he gets on well with all of the players and management. Charisma: Unlikely to be mobbed in the street - except by rugby fans - he is cautious in front of the media and a bit shy. Tactics: Astute rugby brain and has become better at giving his input in crucial situations. Very experienced and nothing phases him. Odds: 12-1

Phil Vickery

Age/Caps: 27/38 (two as captain) Security: First-choice tight-head but has a worrying number of injury problems already in a short career. Experience: Led England to victory in Argentina in 2002 and won plaudits from Woodward for his role. Woodward: Seen as a man ready to be moulded by the coach into the kind of captain he wants Charisma: Does not have the ease of other players when faced by the media but is growing into the role and talks from the heart. Tactics: This will come with more experience but is something that could weigh against him at present. Odds: 3-1

Jonny Wilkinson

Age/Caps: 24/52 (one match as captain v Italy 2003) Security: Absolute certainty as long as he doesn't keep on suffering the "stinger" problems with his neck. Experience: Led England impressively against Italy last season and has taken charge of Newcastle Falcons to prove he can handle the pressure. Woodward: Very close as they both share a passion for getting every little detail right and will not be deflected from their goals. Charisma: His shyness is starting to dissipate and Wilko is handling the increased attention well in formal press conferences. Tactics: Learning all the time - as he will tell you - and can only get better. Odds: 14-1